The Source

Madison -- An early morning fire swept through several downtown businesses destroying both a popular pizza restaurant and a wine shop.

No one was in the buildings during the fire and no injuries have been reported. Both buildings are expected to be demolished.

According to Madison police, firefighters responded to an alarm at 734-738 Boston Post Road, home to Village Pizza and the Madison Wine Shop, around 3:30 a.m. Thursday, to discover heavy smoke rising from the building. Departments from Branford, Guilford, Durham, Killingworth, and Clinton provided mutual aid.

Police and fire officials have begun an investigation into the cause and origin of the fire and the scene remains active. Boston Post Road between Route 79 and Wall Street is closed. It is expected that the northbound lane of Boston Post Road will remain closed for a few days. The southbound lane has been reopened, serving traffic heading in both directions. Parking in the area has also been limited.

According to Eileen Banisch, executive director of the Madison Chamber of Commerce, multiple downtown businesses are without power, including Ciao Bella and Khaki and Black. Police noted that Connecticut Light & Power is on the scene and will restore power to the area as soon as it becomes safe to do so. The Southern Connecticut Gas Company is also on the scene to asses the situation. The Town of Madison Building Inspector and the Madison Director of Emergency Management are also on the scene.